“Ayla should have been the son of my mate." Brun to Broud, Clan of the Cave Bear.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote from Clan of the Cave Bear
In this quote from Jean Auel's book Clan of the Cave Bear, Brun expresses his regret that Ayla, the protagonist of the story, was not born male. This statement reflects the patriarchal society in which the characters live, where the value of a child is often based on their gender. Brun's comment highlights the limitations and expectations placed on individuals based on their sex, and sets the stage for Ayla's journey of defying societal norms and expectations throughout the novel.
Modern Relevance
In Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear, the character Brun expresses regret that Ayla was not born a boy, as he believes she would have been a better fit to succeed him as leader of the clan. This sentiment reflects the ongoing challenges and barriers that women face in traditionally male-dominated roles and positions in modern society.
Jean Auel's Quote from "Clan of the Cave Bear"
“Ayla should have been the son of my mate." Brun to Broud, Clan of the Cave Bear - Jean Auel.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote from Jean Auel's "Clan of the Cave Bear," Brun expresses regret that his daughter Ayla was not born a son. This sentiment reflects the strict gender roles and expectations present in his prehistoric society. Consider the following reflection questions:
- How does the concept of gender impact the characters in "Clan of the Cave Bear," especially when it comes to Ayla's role within her clan?
- How does Brun's belief that Ayla should have been a son affect their relationship and interactions throughout the story?
- In what ways does this quote shed light on the cultural norms and values of the clan in the novel?
Similar quotes
“But when did you see her, talk to me? When did you see her go into the cave? Why did you threaten to strike a spirit? You still don't understand, do you? You acknowledged her, Broud, she has beaten you. You did everything you could to her, you even cursed her. She's dead, and still she won. She was a woman, and she had more courage than you, Broud, more determination, more self-control. She was more man than you are. Ayla should have been the son of my mate.”
“Ayla, what am I doing wrong?" he asked, standing in front of her, dripping. "It's not you. I'm the one who's doingit wrong." "You're not doing anything wrong." "Yes I am. I've been trying all day to encourage you, but you don't understand Clan gestures.”
“Great Mother!I can't believe it!Now I understand."(Mamut)"I do not understand," Ayla said”
“Ayla just didn't seem like a woman who was about to join and establish a new hearth with a man she loved. There was no joy, no excitement. Something was missing. Something called Jondalar.”
“Ayla, I looked for you all my life and didn't know I was looking. You are everything I ever wanted, everything I ever dreamed of in a woman, and more. You are a fascinating enigma, a paradox. You are totally honest, open; you hide nothing: yet you are the most mysterious woman I've ever met.”
“He's part me and part Clan, and so is Ura. Or rather, she's part Oda and part that man who killed her baby.”